Before You Unpack: Your Responsibilities as a Homeowner

by Courtney Ronan

Before my recent move, I was often told "Unpacking is the worst part." Based on previous experience, I'd have to disagree. Everything leading up to and including the move itself is nightmarish: wrapping your possessions in newspaper (and, of course, inevitably needing those items you wrapped so soon), having your home converted into a dangerous obstacle course of boxes, holding your breath while movers back your worldly goods out the door without looking over their shoulders, attempting to discard what you haven't used in years. It seems as if we should heave a giant sigh of relief when the boxes hit the floor in our new residences. Sure, the place looks as if a giant tornado whizzed through it, but at least the move itself is over.

First of all, have you remembered to change the locks in your new house? You may have met the previous owners, and while they may have been the nicest folks you ever met, nice folks do stupid things, too - like give spare keys to people who aren't so nice. Or maybe they lost a key on a chain that could be traced back to your house. Call a locksmith as soon as possible - before you move in, if you can arrange it - and have the locks changed. It's a relatively inexpensive insurance policy for your family's safety.Before you go kick off your shoes and shrug off unpacking until later, however, keep in mind that there are a few responsibilities you'll need to tackle right away upon your arrival. And it's easy to forget about them. You're exhausted, you're overwhelmed and depending upon where you live and when you move, you might be sweaty, too. But you can't relax just yet.


And for privacy and security reasons, make sure that your windows are covered - even with temporary and inexpensive shades or blinds. Don't wait to cover your windows until you've determined what type of permanent treatments you want to purchase. You may wish to have a security system installed at this time, as well. If you have a system installed, ensure that your representative places decals on your windows and fence and an outdoor sign in your front yard to advertise to prospective thieves the consequences of breaking into your home.


It's far too easy during the packing and unpacking process to lose track of where you've stored all of your important transaction documents - the title, your home warranty, your homeowners' association documents (if applicable), your mortgage payment booklet, your homeowner's insurance document and payment booklet, to name but a few possibilities. It may seem like a hassle while you're packing, but find yourself a single folder, box or other container in which to store all of your home-related documents, and transport it personally; don't place it in a large box with other items and hand it over to your movers. If you need to refer to any of that information soon upon your arrival, you'll have easy access to your important paperwork.


Learn how to use your appliances so as to save on your energy and water consumption and subsequent bills. If you spot anything unusual - an air conditioner that never seems to stop running, or a dripping faucet, for example -- call a professional (after consulting your home warranty, of course, if you have one or if you assumed one from your home's previous owners).


Replace all batteries in your smoke alarms, even if you've met your home's previous owners and they told you they replaced the batteries "recently." Their definition of recently and yours may be much different. True, your smoke alarm will probably emit a chirping noise to alert you when its batteries are running low, but it's in your best interests to replace them now and test your alarms to ensure they're in good working order. While you're at it, buy yourself a carbon monoxide detector, and plug it into an outlet in a hallway off which your bedrooms are located.


You'll also need to find out where your home's electrical box is located, and familiarize yourself with the proper procedures in the event of a blown fuse (don't laugh - some of us newcomers to the world of homeownership aren't familiar with the proper procedures). Do you know how to shut off your water? Your gas? In the event of an emergency, you'll need to know how to shut them off quickly. Do you know the age of your major appliances, including your hot water heater, furnace and air conditioner? Many homeowners discover in a matter of days after their arrival that one of their major appliances is due for replacement.


Find out where the nearest hospital, police station and fire station are located, and post their telephone numbers in your kitchen for quick and easy reference. As soon as possible, introduce yourself to the neighbors on either side and across the street from your home, and establish familiarity and trust with them. Eventually, you'll want to add their phone numbers to your list; your neighbors can be your best allies during an emergency situation.


In a sense, unpacking your boxes isn't your biggest priority upon your arrival in your new home. Instead, focus on your safety and become familiar with the workings of your home. Once you've attended to these responsibilities, then you can truly relax and take your time as you set up house.


Source:  http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20001011_unpack.htm



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